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Michael Dillbeck Obituary
July 23, 1950 - December 29, 2023
Kansas City, Missouri - Dr. Michael Charles Dillbeck, 73, of the Netherlands passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Friday, December 29th, 2023.
Mike was born in Kansas City on July 23rd, 1950; the second of eight children to Tom & Rosemary Dillbeck who resided in Shawnee, KS.
Mike married the love of his life, Susie Levin, in the summer of 1979. They shared much love, laughter, warmth and wit in their 44 years together.
Mike graduated from St. Joseph High School, Shawnee KS in 1968. He was a talented athlete and a Presidential Scholar. He received this honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson upon graduation from High School for his academic excellence.
He received his B.A. summa cum laude from Benedictine College in 1972. He then went to Purdue University as a University Fellow, where he received his M.S. in 1973 and his Ph.D. in 1976 in Psychology.
Mike was a leading administrator, Dean of the Graduate School and professor at Maharishi International University, and research scientist who published over 90 papers. He made presentations in more than 60 countries and a video series with his wife Susie about the scientific research of Transcendental Meditation.
Equally important were his many beautiful qualities. Everyone who knew him was nourished by his saintly and blissful nature. He was graciously kind and exuded positive energy. His smile was contagious and his warmth magnetic.
Mike will be sadly missed by his wife, Susie Dillbeck, of their home in the Netherlands; sister-in-law Emily Levin of the Netherlands, as well as his brothers and sisters in Kansas & Missouri: Steve Dillbeck (Mary), Mary Ann Anderson (Phil), Dave Dillbeck, Jean Morris, Jane Shriver (Dave), Joan Nunnink (Ron) as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents Tom & Rosemary Dillbeck, his brother Mark Dillbeck, his mother and father-in-law, Helen & Ezra Levin and sister-in-law Judy Levin.
A memorial service will be held at the Mission Hills Country Club, 5400 Mission Dr., Mission Hills, KS on Saturday, January 27th from 11am – 1pm. A memorial tribute will be held from 11:30-noon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Dillbeck
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Scott Lary
April 19, 2024
My deepest condolences to Michael's wife Susie. Both were my professors at MIU (Maharishi International University - Fairfield, Iowa, USA). Susie with the undergraduate and graduate coursework and Michael with the Thesis project. I once was in the library and a bit confused in reading opposite points of view on an issue. And thinking .. 'Can you just say (write) anything? Just then Michael walked by and I ambushed him with my question. He stopped for a moment and reflecting, answered, 'I depends on the context'. So there is was - anything can be said and it will have meaning within a particular context. Later I learned about scientific paradigms wherein only topics within the parameters of investigation are seriously considered. I feel that both Michael and Susie have dedicated their lives to expanding the paradigm of 'what's real and what's useful' to bring Maharishi's Vedic knowledge to the forefront on modern society. God knows we need this knowledge and its application at this critical time in our world civilization. All peace and love to the families of this super bright individual whom I had the good fortune to encounter.
Bob Byrne
January 28, 2024
I'd lost track of Mike after our graduation in the first year of Benedictine College (initially referred to as "Benedictine College, the Co-Educational College of St. Benedict's College and Mount Saint Scholastica College") in 1972. Try fitting that on a sweatshirt.
Mike was a friend, a gentleman, and an avid scholar. He almost single-handedly brought football back to Benedictine, a program that has grown to great prominence and was coached for decades by our classmate Larry Wilcox. He had a great interest back then in TM, which obviously remained a passion throughout his life.
Godspeed, Mike. The world is a better place for your having been in it and is less for your having left it.
Tracy Morris
January 26, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. He was an amazing person that shared his wonderful gift with so many. His light will never dim.
Tracy
Garry Foster
January 20, 2024
We were so saddened to hear of Michael´s passing and send our love and condolences to Susie and your families. Michael was always a gentleman: refined, kind, soft, intellectually bright and clear, witty, compassionate, and patient. We just can´t think of any higher qualities Michael did not embody. What a role model. Thank you for all your support and the inspiration you gave to everyone who knew you in our world family!
Warmest wishes to everyone.
Garry and Helen Foster
Wendi R. Kaplan
January 20, 2024
I am ever grateful for Michael Dillbeck.
He was a beloved teacher of mine at MIU.
He was curious, encouraging, patient, and brilliant.
He always had time to talk. And he made time to have fun with us as well.
He was able to share the most complicated information in the clearest of ways. I hated statistics and yet he never let me feel diminished by the statistics class that he taught. At the end of class he announced to us all, "I want to thank Wendi for making me the best teacher I never knew I could be." What a gift he was to me. What a gift he was to the world. Thank you Michael Dillbeck.
with such appreciation,
Wendi Kaplan
George Nigro
January 12, 2024
Mike was a great person.... Haven´t seen him since we graduated... I always ask his family about him... so sorry for his family
Linda Slack Mizeur
January 12, 2024
This is a gut punch. Went to high school with Mike. Such a smart man. Had many wonderful times and conversations with him. Sincerest Sympathy to his wife and family. He will be missed by many.
Sharon Gray Eckert
January 12, 2024
I went all through school at St. Joseph with Mike. He was so bright and also such a nice person. We all knew he´d be successful in life. So sorry for his wife, Susie and family. Prayers for all.
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